Posted: 10/3/06
Deters employs many conservation practices
Deters employs many conservation practices
Here is information about the Howard and Mary Deters farm from the nomination form for the Minnesota Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts.
ï Forestry Improvement: Howardís father, Albert, started planting trees on the farm back in the mid 1950s, planting mostly pine, spruce, and walnut. Howard recalls that hand planting of tree seedlings during the spring was as common as planting the oats and corn. Howard has since added over 2,000 trees to those early plantings. The established plantations are living proof of their conservation efforts. In 1982, the home farm was certified as a Tree Farm.
Twenty four acres of Timber Stand Improvement were completed in 2004. Plan included removal of buckthorn, honeysuckle, and multiflor rose as well as competing tree species of elm, boxelder, and ironwood.
ï Wind Erosion Practices: With nearly 700 acres of cropland planted to native grasses and wildflowers and the establishment of field windbreaks, potential wind erosion is kept to a bare minimum.
ï Pasture Improvement and Management: 50 acres of permanent pastureland is managed using rotational grazing. Cattle are rotated between four different areas to maintain a minimum stubble height and allow adequate regrowth for the next grazing period.
ï Cropland Management: Deters owns and operates 1,200 acres of cropland in Houston and Fillmore counties. Nearly 700 acres of cropland have been planted to native grass and wildflowers. These acres receive essentially no cultivation from year to year. Approximately 300 acres are managed with a crop rotation of corn, small grain, and alfalfa. Conservation tillage and residue management are done on these acres. No soybeans have been planted in their farm operation for the past four years. Soil testing is done to manage primarily for phosphorus level on fields nearest the building site. Commercial fertilizer and manure are applied based on soil test results and crop yield goals.
ï Livestock and Manure Management Practices: Their livestock operation consists of a beef cow/calf herd with 45 head of cows and calves at their side. The beef cows are managed using a rotational grazing system on 50 acres of permanent pasture. Calves are usually sold in December and January each year.
ï Buffer Practices: In 1999, Deters made a significant improvement in water quality on their property by removing livestock from an area approximately 10 acres in size which was used as a water source and pasture with spring flow passing directly through it. Today, this area contains a vigorous stand of native grasses and wetland plants providing a much needed buffer to the spring as well as some exceptional wildlife habitat.
ï Wetland Restoration/Management: As part of the project mentioned above, the area that was fenced off from livestock was partially flooded by raising their driveway and installing a draw-down culvert system. The permanent pool created above the driveway covers approximately one acre during normal flows. This area is now home to many water-loving plants and animals. The clear, spring-fed pool supports a population of rainbow trout as well.
ï Wildlife Practices: Native grass and prairie plants have been established along the driveway entering the farmstead. This area provides escape cover for pheasants, rabbits, songbirds, and possibly Bobwhite Quail. In 2004, a one acre wildife cover planting consisting of 500 spruce and fruit bearing shrubs were established above their pond.
ï Other Soil, Water and Forest Conservation Practices: Contour strip cropping has been a part of their farm operation since the mid 1940s. The farm also includes terraces and grassed waterways. In 2003, nearly six acres worth of grassed waterways were established using cost-share from the federal government and the state cost-share program.
Caledonia Argus
314 West Lincoln St.
P.O. Box 227
Caledonia, MN 55921-0227
507/724-3475
E-Mail: editor.argus@ecm-inc.com